"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Harriet Jacob, born in 1813 into the life of slavery, had a relatively easy childhood until about the age six. She was taught to read at a relatively early age, which was most unusual for a slave. The author points out that Jacob wrote, "Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women," because women had to see their children sold and were forced to have sexual relations with white men. The paper relates that Jacob escaped to New York, later writing this book, which was self-published in 1861 and is considered the most comprehensive slave narrative written by a woman.

From the Paper:

"Throughout her slave life Harriet battles with white master's sexual control over slave women. In her case it was Dr. Flint, her master, who pursued sexual relations with Harriet repeatedly. Dr. Flint tells Harriet, "he told me that I was made for his use, made to obey his command in every thing; that I was nothing but a slave, whose will must and should surrender to his, never before had my puny arm felt half so strong" "

More papers on "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl":

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• Analytical Essay # 89153 : "Harriet Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"
• Book Review # 110994 : "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and Major Themes"
• Book Review # 75582 : "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and Womanhood"

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